Bill Herman passed away on August 13, 2025, and his Celebration of Life will be held in the Quaker tradition at 4pm Thursday October 9 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, Alaska. Potluck to follow. 

We published a shortened obituary in the Anchorage Daily News (found in e-editions 9/19-9/26/25, and in print on 9/21 and 9/24), due to the cost per additional line of text. Below is an extended obituary that we feel better encapsulates the life that Bill led. 

 

William George Herman – known to everyone as Bill – passed away at the age of 77 on August 13, 2025 surrounded by his family and friends at home in Anchorage, Alaska. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer just weeks earlier, and his sudden decline in health was jarring to both him and his loved ones. He was a warm, generous, and giving person. He was a wonderful father, “brother,” and “uncle” to his biological and chosen family.

Born on January 11, 1948, in Tieton, Washington, he was doted on by his adopted parents Minnie Laura Herman and Henry “Hank” Herman, who were friends with his biological mother. He grew up in the orchards of the Yakima Valley, learning the meaning of hard work and dedication from his mother, who picked and packed fruit for a living. He loved the outdoors and fast cars – interests that would continue his whole life. He was a somewhat closeted fan of NASCAR, and his adventurous spirit led him to kayaking, climbing, hiking, and cycling throughout his life – even biking 28 miles on his e-tricycle in early June 2025.

He graduated from Washington State University with a teaching certificate and a degree in geology; however, he did not want to work for the oil industry which seemed to be the only option for a geologist at the time. With that in mind, and knowing that hard work was never beneath him, his first job after graduating was working as a sanitation engineer, picking up garbage for the city of Pullman, WA.

It was at WSU where Bill met his first wife, Meri Holden, in the Alpine Club, which he led, teaching others about climbing. Bill made many friends he climbed with for decades, and who he remained close with throughout his life. Bill and Meri moved to Alaska (Kodiak, then Juneau, then back to Kodiak) in the mid 1970s for outdoor adventures. Though they later divorced, many of the friendships Bill formed during those years remained strong throughout his life. Meri’s family introduced Bill to Quakerism, in which he found guidance, community, and spiritual fulfillment for many decades.

Bill thrived in Kodiak. He worked as a kayak guide, taking groups throughout the Kodiak Archipelago, especially to Shuyak Island. He also taught fourth-grade in the Kodiak School District, where he brought the outdoors into the classroom and found creative ways to make learning exciting. Every year, his class hosted an extensive and renowned haunted house for the rest of the school. He was a member of the Kodiak Russian Dancers and enjoyed acting in several plays through community theatre. His career later included serving in leadership roles in alcohol treatment programs in Kodiak and Wasilla before spending 18 years at the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

While in Kodiak, Bill met and married his second wife, Susan Parsons, who brought two wonderful stepchildren, Nathan and Adrienne, into his life. Bill and Susan had a daughter, Laura Herman, who became the pride and joy of Bill’s life. He moved his new family to Seattle, WA, to complete his master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Washington. They then moved to Wasilla as a family, and although Bill and Susan later divorced, he remained close with Nathan and Adrienne and their families.

Bill found love again with his third wife, Kay Branch, who was a leader in Alaska Native Elder care. They shared a joyful life full of adventure, travel, and community until Kay’s death from breast cancer in 2016. Their time together was among the happiest and most fulfilling chapters of Bill’s life.

Bill reveled in being able to share his knowledge, especially his technical know-how of cars, bikes, kayaks, camping, house repair, and carpentry, just to name a few. He taught several teens involved in the Anchorage Monthly Meeting (Quakers) and new arrivals to Alaska how to drive, especially in Alaskan winters. He usually did this by having them drive on frozen lakes to get used to spinning out and safely regaining control. He was also a talented artist throughout his life, mostly focusing on watercolor and sketching. He loved being outdoors with friends and family. He was also a committed activist for justice: he spent hundreds of hours organizing to expand Medicaid in Alaska, advocating for compassionate immigration reform, and trying to convince our leaders to take decisive action to address the climate crisis.

He welcomed all into his home, shared meals with friends and strangers alike, and never shied away from deep conversations or acts of service. His values of simplicity, integrity, community, and justice informed every aspect of his life. Next to his sink he had a framed quote – “Let me live simply so others may simply live.”

Bill will be remembered for his kindness, playfulness, and unwavering commitment to living a meaningful life. He touched many lives through his generosity, sense of humor, and his quiet strength. He delighted in fellowship with Quakers and leading youth programming over the decades.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Kay Branch, his father Henry Herman, and his mother Minnie Herman Turner. His ashes will be mixed with Kay’s and spread near Wonder Bay on Shuyak Island, where Minnie’s ashes were also spread.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Herman and her husband Sonny Minhas, stepson Nate Parsons and his wife Amanda, stepdaughter Adrienne Parsons and her stepdaughter Clara Melgar-Zacher, his sister Julie Holden, niece Danie Holden and her wife Sophie Krauza.

There will be a celebration of his life in the Quaker tradition on October 9 at 4pm at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage, AK. Those gathered will share stories and will honor Bill’s presence in, and gifts to, the world. Potluck to follow – but as Bill would always say – please don’t let the lack of a dish keep you from attending.